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Soil is the foundation of every farming business, but are we giving it the attention it deserves? In this episode of Tramlines, host Tony Smith is joined by Agrii's Tom Perrott and Andrew Sincock from Agro-Vital to explore why soil should be considered a farm's most valuable asset. Together they discuss soil health, organic matter, practical ways to assess soil condition, and how small management changes can deliver long-term improvements in resilience, productivity, and profitability. Podcast summary:  Soil is a farm's greatest asset, underpinning over 95% of food production and influencing the long-term success of every farming enterprise. Organic matter is critical to soil health, improving structure, nutrient retention, biological activity, and long-term productivity. Historic Rothamsted trials show benefits can last for generations. Start with the basics by assessing soil structure, drainage, porosity, pH, earthworm numbers, and biological activity before investing in solutions. Every farm is different, so soil improvement strategies should be tailored to the farm's individual circumstances, resources, and business objectives. Incremental improvements deliver lasting results. Farmers should set achievable goals, monitor progress, and focus on building resilience through better soil management and reduced reliance on external inputs.

In this episode of Tramlines, host Tony Smith is joined by Ben Hatton from TELUS and Agrii's Sam Fordham to explore the evolving role of farm management software. From compliance and record keeping to data integration, sustainability reporting and AI-ready decision making, they discuss how modern digital platforms are helping growers spend less time in the office and more time making informed decisions in the field. With agriculture facing increasing cost pressures, legislative change and rapid technological advancement, discover why clean, connected data is becoming one of the most valuable assets on the farm. Farm management software goes beyond compliance, helping farmers improve sustainability, profitability and business performance.Agriculture is moving from data collection to data action, using connected technology to support real-time decisions.Cloud-based platforms are driving adoption through mobile access, easier sharing and improved user experience.Quality data underpins future technologies, from AI and sensors to variable rate applications and sustainability reporting.TELUS and Agrii are helping future-proof farm businesses with integrated tools, expert support and simple migration pathways.For more information visit Crop management software | TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods GB

In this episode of Tramlines, inspired by a conversation with our very own customer James Peck from PX Farms, we are joined by Agrii agronomist and technical advisor Craig Simpson to explore one of the most debated topics in arable farming: when is the right time to start drilling winter crops? With an early harvest tempting growers into the field, Craig examines the yield benefits of early September drilling alongside the increased risks from grass weeds, BYDV and disease pressure. Together, they discuss how farmers can balance risk and reward to maximise crop performance in an increasingly unpredictable climate. Key Takeaways: Early drilling can boost yield potential through stronger establishment, greater tiller numbers and improved rooting, helping crops cope with dry spring conditions.Delaying drilling can significantly reduce grass weed pressures such as blackgrass and sterile brome, improving long-term weed control. September-drilled crops face higher BYDV risk, with warmer conditions and increased aphid activity potentially adding further pressure this season. Earlier drilling can increase disease risk, particularly septoria, as denser canopies allow disease to build more rapidly during wet seasons.The best approach is a planned, field-by-field strategy, considering weed burden, variety selection, disease resistance and local conditions before drilling begins. October drilling? Success starts with choosing the right seed for the right timing. Our full seed portfolio can be found in our Grower's Autumn Guide 2026. Click the link in the bio or click here. https://www.agrii.co.uk/our-services/tools-resources/documents/

In this episode of Tramlines, we are joined by William Crookshank from the Environment Agency and Tom Land, Agrii's National Fertiliser Product Manager, to discuss nutrient use, compliance, and why effective nutrient management is essential for both environmental protection and farm profitability. The conversation explores nutrient planning, the management of organic manures, regulatory requirements, and practical steps farmers can take to improve nutrient efficiency while reducing pollution risk. Nutrient management plans are essential: Good nutrient management starts with a robust, regularly reviewed nutrient plan based on current soil analysis, helping farmers optimise inputs, improve efficiency, and meet regulatory requirements. Poor nutrient management remains a challenge: The Environment Agency reports that around a third of farms visited lack a nutrient management plan, and a similar proportion do not have adequate soil sampling, increasing the risk of nutrient loss and non-compliance. Organic manures should be treated as valuable resources, not waste: Testing and understanding the nutrient content of manures, slurries, and digestates allows farmers to maximise their value while avoiding excessive applications of nutrients such as phosphorus. Timing and application matter: Applying organic nutrients when crops can actively use them reduces losses to air and water, improves nutrient use efficiency, and can deliver significant financial savings through reduced fertiliser purchases. Technology and advice can improve outcomes: Soil testing, nutrient planning software, manure analysis, precision application equipment, and support from FACTS-qualified advisers can help farmers balance productivity, profitability, compliance, and environmental stewardship.CPD points: Claim 1 BASIS and NRoSO point for listening. Email [email protected] with your membership number, full name, postcode, date of birth and the podcast title.

In this episode of Tramlines, our host Tony Smith sits down with the team behind Sparsholt Manor Farm to explore their ongoing journey towards sustainable arable farming. Faced with severe black-grass pressure and rising input costs, farm manager Piers Cowling and Agrii experts Iain Richards and Ian Davy share how a long-term, integrated approach - combining direct drilling, soil health improvements, and smarter crop management - is transforming both productivity and profitability. Integrated black-grass control is essential High resistance levels mean success relies on a full system approach - delayed drilling, consistent cultivations, precise seed placement, and stacked residual chemistry.Direct drilling is driving efficiency gains Moving from multi-pass cultivations to predominantly direct drilling has reduced fuel use dramatically (from ~45L/ha to under 10L/ha) while maintaining crop performance.Soil health improvements are delivering real results Organic matter has increased from under 4% to nearly 7%, improving nutrient cycling, water retention, and enabling reduced fertiliser inputs.Input reduction is both economic and environmental Lower nitrogen, fewer pesticides, and reduced fungicide use are cutting costs while supporting more resilient crops and beneficial ecosystems.Variety choice and system thinking are critical Selecting varieties for vigour and disease resistance - rather than maximum yield alone - helps optimise performance in later drilling windows and challenging conditions.To find out more on how Agrii can support your farm business, visit agrii.co.uk/sustainable-farming

You've got the data, so what? Today we’re recording live from Cereals 2026 at Diddly Squat Farm. Agrii has just unveiled its vision for the Smart Connected Farm - a system designed to help farmers harness data, technology, and expert insight to improve decision-making and drive performance. In this episode, Rachel Watling National Marketing Manager at Agrii takes you on a tour of the concept, exploring how people, research, seed, nutrition, and digital tools all connect to create a more profitable and resilient farming business. Stations: Agronomy - Kathryn StyanR&D - Ruth Mann & Jonathan TrotterSeed - John Miles & Rob Stuart Nutrition - Tom LandDigital - Ben Foster & Jonny Kerley Podcast summary: The Smart Connected Farm is a system designed to help farmers improve profitability, and navigate the digital tools available - from sensors to satellite imagery People remain central: agronomists use data and AI to enhance (not replace) expert, on-the-ground decision-making.Significant R&D investment (450+ trials annually) enables Agrii to reduce risk and provide proven, field-scale insights to growers.A joined-up approach across seed, nutrition, and agronomy allows more precise, early-stage decision-making to improve crop performance.Digital platforms like Contour bring complex data together into simple, actionable insights to drive profitability and compliance.Download insight report: www.agrii.co.uk/insights/smart-connected-farms/

Oilseed rape is showing signs of a comeback, with planted area rising significantly last autumn and renewed confidence building across the industry. But with ongoing challenges and changing conditions, is it really back as a profitable option for UK farms? In this episode, we’re joined by Agrii’s oilseed rape specialists Ian Davey and Will Sanderson. to explore the latest insights on varieties, establishment, and risk management - you decide whether OSR has a place in your rotation this autumn. Confidence is returning: improved establishment, reduced pest pressure, and stronger prices are driving renewed interest in OSR. Profitability goes beyond the crop: OSR remains a valuable break crop, boosting the performance of following cereals. Establishment is everything: success hinges on moisture, timing, and strong early growth in the first 4–6 weeks. Success comes from marginal gains: integrated strategies like Agrii’s eight-point plan help manage risk layer by layer.Variety choice is about risk, not just yield: traits like vigour, disease resilience, and stem health are critical for consistent performance.

In this episode of Tramlines, we head to Emery Soft Fruits Ltd in Hampshire to explore how growers are producing high-quality strawberries and raspberries in an increasingly challenging environment. As reliance on synthetic chemistry declines, integrated pest management (IPM) is taking centre stage. Joined by expert Matt Greep, Horticultural Agronomist at Agrii and Simon Beasley UK Sales Manager, at Bioline, we uncover how biological controls, pollinators and proactive strategies are helping growers stay ahead of pests, improve sustainability, and deliver consistent, premium fruit to UK consumers. IPM is now central to modern soft fruit productionConsistent quality and flavour drive every decisionProactive monitoring keeps pest pressure under controlPollinators improve fruit shape, yield and uniformityBuilding beneficial insect populations lowers costs long term

From rising machinery costs to variable rate technology and connected farm platforms, this episode of Tramlines explores how growers can improve machinery performance, reduce waste, and make more informed investment decisions. In this episode of Tramlines, host Tony Smith is joined by farm business consultant Paul Pickford, Jonny Kerley from Origin Digital, and Ben Foster from RHIZA to discuss one of the biggest financial pressures facing UK farming businesses: machinery investment. With farms in England spending £2.3 billion on machinery in 2023/24, according to DEFRA, the discussion focuses on how growers can improve returns from machinery through better data, improved connectivity, more efficient operations, and a clearer understanding of true operating costs. Podcast Summary: Why UK farm machinery investment has slowed despite increasing operational pressuresThe true cost of machinery ownership and why many businesses still underestimate itHow telematics and connected platforms are improving machinery efficiency on farmWhy idle time and machine utilisation matter more than ever in tight-margin farmingThe growing role of data and connectivity in future machinery purchasing decisions

Farming conditions in the UK are becoming more variable. While there may be opportunities from improved growing conditions in some seasons, these are increasingly offset by extremes such as drought, flooding and unpredictable weather patterns. In this Tramlines podcast episode, we explore what resilience means in practice and how farm businesses can adapt. The discussion brings together climate science and practical agronomy to help inform decision-making on farm. Leading the discussion is Dr Mike Rivington of the James Hutton Institute and Andrew Richards, Senior Agronomist at Agrii.   Podcast Summary: What future climate conditions could look like for UK farming, and why variability matters more than averagesThe practical impact of drought, flooding and seasonal extremes on crop performanceHow soil structure and organic matter underpin water management and resilienceWhere investment decisions, such as drainage, can influence yield and long-term returnsHow to approach crop and variety choice in less predictable conditionsThe role of modelling and data in supporting better on-farm decisionsWhy resilience is as much about business and mindset as it is about agronomy

Navigating the complexity of environmental schemes across the UK demands careful consideration to identify the most suitable options for each individual farm. To guide us through these challenges, we’re joined by Agrii’s Amy Watkins, Sustainability and Environmental Services Manager, Liam Wink, Grass and Forage Specialist and Jenny Douglas, an independent advisor on Scottish subsidies. Podcast Summary: England, Scotland and Wales are all moving away from BPS at different speeds, making environmental schemes increasingly vital for farm income.Scotland maintains full BPS for now but with tighter compliance rules, particularly around EFAs, margins and seed mix requirements.England’s SFI reopens this year with fewer actions, one agreement per farm and a £100k annual cap, so early preparation is essential.Wales’ new Sustainable Farming Scheme is replacing a significant BPS reduction, with many upland farms choosing it for better income fit.Additional funding options remain available across the UK—including grants and carbon‑credit opportunities—although competitiveness and long‑term commitments vary.You can find details of your local Agrii agronomist and environmental specialist at agrii.co.uk/contact.

Today we’re tackling spring crop decisions. How do you nail the timing, get nutrition spot on, and boost your results? To answer that, we’ve got Ben Foster from RHIZA and Gavin Stewart, Fertiliser Product Manager for Scotland, and George Proctor, Contracting Operations Manager at Agrii. Summary: Nitrogen needs to be used more efficiently as prices rise and CBAM fertiliser tax comes in. Many farms only achieve around 60% nitrogen use efficiency, but Agrii trials show variable‑rate, evidence‑based applications can lift this to 70–75%.Liquid fertiliser offers accuracy and quicker uptake, especially in dry springs. Adding inhibitors like Liqui‑Safe can increase nitrogen use efficiency by ~15% and delivered a 4% yield uplift across 42 winter wheat trials.Precision starts with understanding variability, not guessing it. Farmers should use Contour satellite imagery, drones, and N‑sensors to judge crop demand, identify differences in biomass, and decide whether to feed weaker or stronger areas.Contract sprayers give farmers access to variable‑rate technology they may not have on their own kit. Liquid systems and modern sprayers allow accurate, low‑pressure applications that reduce crop damage and support timely operations in narrow weather windows.Timing and conditions matter as much as rate. Using hyper‑local weather data in Contour helps farmers and contractors judge field conditions, hit application windows, and make sure nitrogen is applied when the crop can use it effectively.

Today we’re talking moths  and asking a bold question: could bats be the game‑changing IPM tool that protects harvestable yield and boosts the bottom line for this Kent dessert‑apple farm? Richard and Fraiya Chandler of Chandler & Dunn, together with Agrii agronomist Neil Obbard, have been putting this idea to the test. Summary: Bats as natural pest control: The farm is exploring whether boosting bat populations can significantly reduce key moth pests in apple orchards, lowering reliance on insecticides and cutting production costs. High economic impact of moth damage: Moth species like codling moth and tortrix can cause major crop losses, and current chemical control costs the farm £500–£600 per hectare. Scientific evidence backs the idea: A 2022 study shows that a single brown long‑eared bat can reduce crop loss by 81–83% per hectare - a remarkable potential impact.  Habitat improvement is key: Enhancing hedgerows, tree cover, and installing appropriate bat boxes can help attract and support different bat species, boosting their presence in orchards.  Wider farming benefits: Using bats aligns with sustainable IPM, protects biodiversity, and may translate to benefits across other crops like plums, cherries, and blueberries.

Growing last year’s forage proved challenging, with weather conditions hitting many crops. Maize, in particular, remains highly sensitive to in‑season pressures - yet it continues to offer major advantages when managed well. So what benefits can maize deliver, and how can growers set themselves up for success in 2026? To explore these questions, we're joined by two experts: Ben Lowe, Agrii’s National Forage Manager, and Tom Turner, Regional Sales Manager for KWS. Podcast summary: 2025 growing season was highly variable, with some regions achieving excellent maize yields while others suffered severe drought and extremely poor performance. Both forage and AD growers faced big inconsistencies. Resilience and early maturity are key themes for 2026. Experts emphasise strong variety selection, moving to earlier‑maturing genetics, and balancing yield with forage quality to buffer against unpredictable weather.  Seed rate decisions depend on site conditions — sheltered sites can push 100k–110k seeds/ha, exposed or drought‑prone areas benefit from reduced rates to improve stem strength, moisture availability, and harvest timing. Modern genetics reduce the need for plastic film in marginal areas. Advances mean ultra‑early varieties can now establish reliably even in cooler or challenging regions without film.  Top tips from the experts: choose the right variety for your site, prioritise quality as much as yield, ensure good site selection and maturity matching, and avoid reverting to later varieties despite the temptation after drier years.  View the 2026 maize guide here.

Crop resilience is a major talking point, but what does it really mean for this spring and the season ahead? How can farmers set crops up to deliver reliable, consistent results in a challenging growing year? In this episode, we are joined by Agrii’s John Miles, Seed Technical Manager, Tom Land, National Fertiliser Manager, Jonathan Trotter, Technical Trials Manager, and Jody Littleford, Technical Manager at Combinable Crop Trials. Together, they discuss how varieties, nutrition, Biosolutions and fungicides, and the latest technology can be brought together to build stronger, more resilient crops from the outset. Summary: Disease pressure is high, with new yellow rust races overcoming resistance - growers must stay proactive with protectant fungicide strategies. Nutrition must be precise, using SMN tests and biomass assessments to avoid costly nitrogen mis‑applications.Tech tools like satellite imagery and variable‑rate nitrogen can improve decision‑making and input efficiency.Biostimulants, including endophytes and peptide elicitors, can strengthen plant health and bolster resilience but complement, don’t replace, core agronomy. Overall resilience comes from measuring, monitoring, and staying ahead, combining nutrition, chemistry, tech, and field walking.Download Agrii's latest insight report beyond the bottom line, tackling rising costs with smarter margins. Visit agrii.co.uk or view here.